Flexible rack-bar.



P. R. BANNON.

FLEXIBLE RACK BAR. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3; 1912.

1,187,597. Patented June 20,1916.

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FLEXIBLE RACK BAR.

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1,1 87,597. Patented June 20, 1916.

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FLEXIBLE RACK BAR.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3.19:2.

1,187,597. Patented June 20,1916.

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PATRICK R. BANNON, OF JULIET, ILLINOIS.

FLEXIBLE RACK-BAR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 20, 1916.

Application filed June 3, 1912. Serial No. 701,234.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, PATRICK R. BANNON,

citizen of the United States, residing at Joliet, in the county of WVill and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flexible Rack-Bars, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to driving or power conveying devices and to the class of such devices that comprises pivotally connected links adapted to engage a sprocket wheel or other driven member.

The particular improvements embodied herein relate to certain elements of the conveying apparatus covered by my application for patent filed August 8, 1907, under Serial No. 387,599, and the purpose of this application is to cover by Letters Patent said elements regardless of their operative connection as it has been found they are adapted for use separate and apart from any particular form of conveying apparatus.

My present invention is made up of two distinct forms of links which complement each other in the operation of a sprocket chain or rack and are adapted for movement circumferentially on short turns and also possesses lateral flexibility.

A further object of my present invention to provide a sprocket chain or hinged rack construction adapted to be bolted to any suitable conveying apparatus and provide an effective support therefor.

A still further object of my present invention is to provide a flexible hinged rack construction in which the rack sections or links are adapted for a partial interfolding or hinging action.

A further object of my present invention is to provide a hinged rack in which certain sections are adapted to engage a sprocket wheel so as to prevent lateral displacement of the rack or chain,

A still further object of my invention is to provide a hinged rack in which the sections are flexibly connected for movement in one direction and rigid against movement in the opposite direction.

Further objects of general utility are con served by my invention as will'be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of this application, I have illustrated a preferred adaptation of my invention with the understanding that in matters of design thelink sections shown may be varied materially without departure from the essential features of what constitutes my real invention.

In said drawings :-Figure 1 represents a top plan view of one of the link members which, together with other members to be described, constitute what I prefer to call for convenience in this connection, a flexible rack; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the members shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of saidmember; Fig. 4 is a top plan View of two members which constitute in effect, a compound link adapted to cooperate with the form of link shown in Figs.

1 to 3 inclusive; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of said compound link; Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of said link; Fig. 7 is a top plan View of the compound link showing the lateral flexibility of same; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of two pivotally connected links of the form shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and Fig. 9 is a fragmentary View in side elevation, showing the relative flexibility or hinging action of two of the pivotally connected links of the form shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and in Fig. 8.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawing, 10 represents generally a link member of my improved flexible rack, the same consisting of a single casting of a size suitable for, the work required of the completed rack. Near. the right hand end of the link asshown in the drawing, are two lateral extensions or wings 10 which lie in the same planeas the body portion of the link and which terminate attheir extremities in lugs 10 which are at right angles to the plane of said extensions and have formed therein eyes 10.

Extending longitudinally from the body of the link midway between the lugs 10 and equally spaced therefrom, is a central lug 10 in which is formed an eye 10 in alinement with the eyes 10 of the lugs 10*. At the opposite end of the link are lateral extensions 1O which correspond in general form and arrangement to the extension 10, and terminate in opposed spaced lugs 10 provided with alined eyes 10 From opposite edges of the central portion of the body of the link extend laterally lugs 10*. Through these lugs and through the extensions 10, 10 are holes 10 through which attaching bolts or rivets may be inserted if it be desired to connect the link with a conveyer or other member with which the rack is to of the compound link while laterally flexible relative to each other are not adapted for pivotal action in a circumferential movement.

In connecting my flexible rack-bar with a sectional. platform or other structure to which it is adaptable, only the links 10 will be directly attached thereto, thus leaving the compound links 11, 12, to be supported by their pivot connections with said links 10. In assembling the members described to construct a rack-bar, the center lugs 12 at one end of the compound link will fit the opening 10 between the lugs 10 of the adjacent link 10, and the lugs 11 ofcthe compound link Will embrace the center lug l0 of the link 10 adjacent the opposite end of said compound link.

- In practice, a sprocket-wheel will be used with my improved rack-bar, in which the teeth are bifurcated so as to accommodate or straddle the ribs 10 12", and thereby keeping the rack in proper alinement when passing over the sprockets and preventing lateral displacement of the rack.

It will be seen that my invention has the functions of a sprocket-chain as Well as those of a rack-bar. When intended for work in which the traction strains are reduced and the weight carried slight, such features as the truss-bar 13 and the ribs 10 and 12', may be omitted and other parts made light, without departure from the essential features of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is 1-- 1. A flexible rack comprising two series of interposed links, each of the first series of links consisting of a bed portion, and a toothed portion integral therewith and spaced therefrom and terminating in lugs at its respective ends, and each of the second series of links consisting of two sections pivotally connected providing for their relative lateral movement independent of the first series of links, said second series of links having integral lugs on their respective ends interengaging the above said lugs, and pivots passing through said lugs, said lugs and pivots adapted to permit the respective links to travel about a sprocketwheel while preventing the lateral movement of the first mentioned links, said second series of links being provided with means for maintaining said sections in a commonplane while permitting such lateral movement.

2. A flexible rack comprising two series of interposed links, each of the first series of links consisting of a bed portion, and a toothed portion integral therewith, and having integral lugs at its respective ends, and each of the second series of links consisting of two sections pivotally connected and provided with means for maintaining said sections in a common plane, while permitting of a lateral movement between the respective sections, and pivotal means for connectingsaid two series of links permitting the respective links to move in a circular plane and preventing the lateral movement of the first series of links relative to the second series.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

PATRICK It. BANNON.

Witnesses:

JOHN O. BARRETT, Ronnn'r J. BENTLEY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G." 

